In Spain, it’s possible to be autónomo and also own a Sociedad Limitada (SL) - a limited company.Some professionals choose this setup to separate personal and business assets or to plan their income differently.It can bring advantages in certain cases, but also higher fixed costs and more paperwork.Here’s what you should understand before deciding if it’s the right move for you.
Quick answers
Can I be self-employed and own a company?
Yes. You can keep working as autónomo and also own or manage a Sociedad Limitada (SL). Read more about autonomo here.
Do I need to close my autónomo if I open an SL?
No. You can keep both – just manage invoices and taxes separately.
Why do people open a company?
Mainly to pay less tax once their income is high or to protect their personal assets.
When does it start paying off?
Usually when your net profit is above €45,000–€50,000 per year and you can leave some profit inside the company instead of withdrawing everything.
When is it not worth it?
If you earn less than €40,000 or need all the income for personal use, an SL often costs more than it saves.
The two setups in simple terms
Costs to expect with an SL
Opening a company is easy, but it comes with fixed monthly costs:
- Social security: around €315/month (autónomo societario).
- Accounting and filings: €600–€1,200 per year.
- Extra admin: company books, registry, and separate tax returns.
These costs mean you should only open an SL when the savings or protection outweigh them.
When an SL makes sense
Opening a company is worth it when you:
✅ Earn above €45,000–€50,000 a year in profit.
✅ Don’t need to withdraw all profits personally.
✅ Plan to hire people or limit liability (protect your personal assets).
✅ Want to show a more professional image to clients or partners.
If that’s your situation, the switch to an SL can reduce your tax rate and make your business look more solid.
What changes if you own a company
- You’ll still pay social security (as autónomo societario) if you manage or work in your company.
- You’ll have two identities for tax: your personal one (autónomo) and your company (SL).
- You must issue separate invoices - one under your name, one under the company.
- You’ll have two sets of books and two annual tax returns.
It’s not complicated with the right software, but it’s important to keep both activities clearly separated.
How to make the transition smooth
- Plan the timing. Don’t rush. Open the SL when your profits justify it.
- Keep your autónomo active until the company runs smoothly.
- Separate finances. Use different bank accounts for company and personal activity.
- Use modern software to track both.
If you’re thinking about adding a company to your freelance activity, renn can help you plan the best tax setup, handle the full company registration, and manage both your autónomo and SL finances automatically - so you stay compliant and save time with zero effort.
Bottom line
Yes, you can be self-employed and have a company in Spain.
The key is timing: do it when your profits are high enough or when you want to protect yourself from risk.
- Under €40k → stay autónomo.
- Over €45k → consider SL.
- Need to limit liability → SL makes sense anytime.
If you’re unsure which is better for you, estimate both options’ taxes before deciding - you’ll likely find the right time to make the switch and stop overpaying.
